MOUNT BALDY - Authorities said 3 people were injured following a helicopter
crash near Mount Baldy summit early Thursday.

San Bernardino County Fire Department personnel responded to reports of a
helicopter crash west of Mount Baldy summit just before noon Thursday. The
aircraft was carrying 4 passengers and hikers at the site reported that all 4
were awake and talking, according to County Fire officials.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said the aircraft was
a Robinson R-44 helicopter with a tail number of N324RS that made a hard
landing on Mount Baldy "for unknown reasons." The helicopter's tail
boom was significantly damaged from the crash.

The site of the crash was 1000 feet below the summit and was inaccessible
to ground units, prompting a response from County Fire's Air Rescue 07
helicopter. They arrived a few minutes after noon, officials said, and all
passengers were out of the aircraft.

The rescue team made contact with the passengers at 12:16 p.m. and all
passengers were loaded into Air Rescue 07 for transport. They were removed from
the crash site by 12:49 p.m, officials said.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials said the three injured
parties suffered minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital for
treatment. One person refused medical treatment, officials said. No other
injuries were reported.

The FAA and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Aero Bureau are
continuing to investigate the crash.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the
Aero Bureau at 562-421-2701. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call
"Crime Stoppers" at 800-222-8477 or online at http://lacrimestoppers.org.